Quite a few years ago my friend Lance gave me a Pro Set autograph of Doug, but I always wanted a few more. I’ve always been confused about Doug’s legacy as a quarterback. I’ve always felt he had his greatest success as a Super Bowl MVP for the Redskins but he’s shown a lot retroactively in signature cards like this, for the Bucs, whom he was drafted by.
I like the Topps Signature Class from 2024, but it feels like AI because it looks so… polished. Also it doesn’t have the team logos.
CARD: Pro Set WLAF 1991 ACQUIRED: 2025, eBay FAILURE: TTM 2011, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
A fast and hard hitting safety who always found a way to be around the ball, Falanda Newton played college ball for TCU from 1986-’88.
In 1987 he had 7 picks for 117 yards.
He also moonlighted at punt returner primarily that season as well.
Newton finished his college career with 15 interceptions for 274 yards and a TD over 33 contests.
Nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award his Senior campaign.
Undrafted, spent time in the camp of the Houston Oilers in ’89 and Cleveland Browns in ’90.
Second to last selection in the WLAF positional draft in 1991 by the New York-New Jersey Knights.
Started all 10 contests at free safety and posted 8 interceptions, 73 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and recovered 3 fumbles.
Set league record with 3 interceptions in a single game against the Monarchs.
Also blocked a punt that season.
Returned to the Knights for the 1992 campaign, posting 5 interceptions and 3 sacks.
After the league went on hiatus, Falanda played for Cincinnati of the Arena Football League in 1993.
Had 43 total tackles, 10 interceptions for 71 yards and 6 pass deflections.
ACCOLADES:
All World League 1991, ’92
NOTES:
Falanda has been impossible to track down or get a response from despite his unique name. When this one popped on eBay, I didn’t think twice and snapped it up immediately. He’s still got two set needs out there for me.
Took my daughter to the grand opening a Crunch Fitness a few miles from my house. It was a good event and Vince was happy to sign two for both of us. My daughter asked him about football and he was happy to stop and talk to her for a few minutes and take a photo with her. No doubt. Vince has had a lot of practice at signing cards and knows exactly where to sign these cards.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
